In July, Saskatchewan hosted two exciting missions organized by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) specifically targeting retail and commodity buyers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. These missions aim to showcase the immense potential and opportunities in the province's agricultural sector while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between MENA companies and Saskatchewan's thriving agribusinesses.

Saskatchewan boasts an impressive 40 per cent of Canada's agricultural land, making it the most dominant player in the nation's food production industry. With its vast expanse of fertile soil, the province is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for high-quality and sustainable agricultural products.

During the mission, a series of strategic business-to-business meetings were held to exchange knowledge, discuss market trends, and establish strong relationships to pave the way for long-term partnerships.

To further enhance understanding of Saskatchewan's agricultural sector, the program included immersive site visits to key agribusiness facilities across the province allowing MENA retail and commodity buyers to witness the advanced technologies, modern farming practices, and efficient supply chains that contribute to Saskatchewan's agricultural success.

The visits generated several leads and in-market deals, demonstrating the effectiveness of these missions in fostering meaningful connections and collaborations. The value of the MENA incoming buyers event was worth more than $250 million CAD.

A list of Saskatchewan suppliers can be found in STEP’s Membership Directory (sasktrade.com).

If you are interested in being part of future trade missions to Saskatchewan, please reach out to the Government of Saskatchewan’s UAE Office at UAE@gov.sk.ca.

On 5 June 2023, CBC Abu Dhabi members and guests were delighted to attend the event organized by the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi on the pathway towards COP28 with spotlight on the private sector. It was an engaging and well attended event. Members and guests received insightful information from the COP28 team that included the Private Sector Engagement, Technology and Entrepreneurship, and Sponsorship.

See more event photos here.

Members of CBC Abu Dhabi attended an information session hosted by The Authority of Social Contribution (Ma'an) on 13 June 2023. Together with AmCham Abu Dhabi, members and guests received insights from Ma'an on how to effectively incorporate social positive impact into their businesses. Speakers from Ma'an provided valuable information on Ma'an's pillars and how they can assist and involve businesses in the community. 

See more event photos here.

Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of the Emirates Council for Defense Companies, stressed the depth of the bilateral relations between the UAE and Canada, which provide an opportunity for defense and security industries and national aviation industries to increase cooperation with their Canadian counterparts.

This came in her keynote speech during a workshop organized by the Emirates Council for Defense Companies in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Residents Office of the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi and the Canadian Business Council in Abu Dhabi, which included a number of government agencies and institutions, and a group of Emirati and Canadian defense companies.

Learn more

Watch the video

CBC Abu Dhabi members and guests celebrated Canada Day a little early on June 16th at Lexx, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with food and drinks, and amazing prizes donated by our valued partners. 

We would like to thank our valued members and partners for supporting this celebration.

• Bronze sponsor: Enerflex, a CBC Abu Dhabi Corporate member
• Celebration cake donated by Abu Dhabi Grammar School, a CBC Abu Dhabi Platinum member
• Prizes offered by Bestbites, Saadiyat Rotana, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.
• Goodie bags offered by the Embassy of Canada and CIRCA.

View more event photos here.

CBC Speed Networking Event, May 2023

Networking—it's not just a buzzworCBC Speed Networking Event, May 2023d, but an essential skill that can open doors to countless opportunities. As professionals, we understand the importance of building meaningful connections, and that's why I'm thrilled to invite you to join Clear Speak GCC's Networking Workshop on September 11.

But first, let me share a valuable tip to help you navigate networking events with confidence: remember that a strong introduction is key. Craft a concise and engaging self-introduction that showcases your expertise and highlights what sets you apart. A compelling introduction is the foundation of a fruitful conversation and can make a lasting impression.

Now, back to our workshop. By participating in our online course, you will gain valuable insights on various aspects of networking. We will cover everything from professional self-introductions to effective engagement techniques, ensuring you leave a positive and lasting impression on potential connections. Moreover, we'll guide you through the essential steps to follow up after networking events, maximizing the potential for further collaboration.

To kickstart your networking journey, we have scheduled a one-hour workshop on September 11 to prepare you for the upcoming inter-business council networking event on September 12. This workshop will equip you with practical skills, boost your confidence, and provide you with the tools to make the most out of the event.

To ensure you feel fully prepared and confident, we will also organize a brief meeting 30 minutes before the event on September 12. This pre-event gathering will serve as a final opportunity to address any last-minute questions or concerns, ensuring you approach the event with poise and readiness.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your networking skills and connect with fellow professionals from various industries. Join us for the Networking Workshop and put your best foot forward at the inter-business council networking event on September 12.

To secure your spot and access the online course, please register at our website: [Registration link]. CBC Abu Dhabi members can get 15% off with the code: CANADA.  Spaces are limited to six people per group, so I encourage you to sign up early to avoid disappointment.  You can also organize your own private group if requested.

Clear Speak GCC is dedicated to empowering professionals like you with the skills needed to succeed in today's interconnected business world. We look forward to welcoming you to our Networking Workshop and witnessing the positive impact it will have on your networking prowess.

Warm regards,

Robyn Albers Owner, Clear Speak GCC

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to its longstanding relationships across many sectors and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saskatchewan, Canada. New opportunities exist in the natural resources sector and the province has launched its Critical Minerals Strategy to drive growth and development of the sector in the province. The strategy outlines four goals for the sector:

1. Increase Saskatchewan’s share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent by 2030.
2. Double the number of critical minerals being produced in Saskatchewan by 2030.
3. Grow Saskatchewan’s production of potash, uranium, and helium.
4. Establish Saskatchewan as a rare earth element hub.

Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to invest in critical minerals, as the province has a reputation as a world leader in mining investment attractiveness, resource potential, a strong stable government, and ethical and sustainable practices. According to the 2023 Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Saskatchewan remains first in Canada and third in the world for mining investment attractiveness.

The province is home to 23 key minerals that make modern life possible and help ensure global energy security. So when it comes to potash, uranium, helium, lithium, copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, Saskatchewan has what the world needs.

Saskatchewan is the world’s largest producer of potash, accounting for about one-third of annual global production and hosting nearly half of the world’s known reserves. The province is also home to the largest high-grade uranium deposits on earth. And when it comes to helium, the province is Canada’s largest producer. The Helium Action plan, released in November 2021, aims to supply 10 percent of the global helium market demand by 2030.

The UAE government is implementing groundbreaking renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative aligns with Saskatchewan’s commitment to net zero goal by 2050. This fall, the UAE will host the 28th Confederation of Parties (COP 28) to discuss and find solutions for climate change. Saskatchewan has the high-quality and sustainable food, fuel, and fertilizer the world needs and the province is excited to share this story at COP28 later this year.

Saskatchewan is committed to fostering a competitive business environment for businesses in mining, exploration, processing, and manufacturing. Read Saskatchewan’s critical mineral strategy to learn more.

Nestled between a pristine, kilometre-long private beach and lush gardens, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, is truly an oasis in the heart of the UAE. Each room is elegantly appointed with modern facilities and Arabian architectural flair, and many offer breathtaking views of the Khor Al Maqta creek and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Traditional abra boats help guests travel through the waterways of the Qaryat Al Beri complex, where they can shop at the souk or visit the nearby Traders Hotel.

It offers 213 rooms and suites, six private villas, 160 serviced apartments, and seven restaurants and bars, including the renowned Shang Palace. A private beach and infinity pool offers views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Learn more. 

https://cbcabudhabi.com/resources/Documents/Early%20Bird%20Promo%202023.pdf

Abu Dhabi Grammar School has launched a newsletter, and they invite you to read it.

Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada) has an enrolment of 1,080 students from 50+ countries and is Nova Scotia’s longest-running international school. AGS operates as a private institution and provides the Nova Scotia curriculum through an enriching and challenging integrated program from preschool to Grade 12. 

Read the newsletter.

CBC Abu Dhabi’s communities of interest (COIs) are special, industry-focused groups organized to discuss market trends, identify challenges, and suggest actions to governments and stakeholders. The COIs are free to members and usually run by members. Each COI has an email list and a WhatsApp group that members can join by request. Additionally, all COIs have the full backing of the CBC Abu Dhabi staff. They will assist you with social media posts, booking venues, and securing any type of paperwork. We need only your participation and great ideas.

You can choose from the following COIs:

• Energy
• Aerospace, Defence, and Security
• Education
• Food and Agriculture
• Health Care

To learn more about the COI, please contact the CBC office.